Day 1,351.

Today, as reports from Pokrovsk indicate Russian troops now hold positions across nearly the entire city, prosecutors in Kharkiv launch a new war crimes investigation after footage emerged of an alleged Russian FPV drone strike on two civilians carrying a white flag near Kharkiv. We also examine today’s Joint Expeditionary Force meeting in Norway – asking whether it’s wise for the group to brand itself as “NATO’s first responders” – before doing a deep dive into recent cases of Ukrainian and Russian spycraft. Later, we speak with the commander of a Ukrainian drone unit who helped destroy Russian forces following the so-called “breakthrough” in Dobropillya.

Contributors

Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.

Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.

With thanks to Dimko Zhluktenko.

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Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Learn more about Dimko’s charity, Dzyga’s Paw:

https://dzygaspaw.com/ 

Dom’s story on MI5 chief’s warnings (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/16/sir-ken-mccallum-mi5-china-spy-scandal-national-security/ 

The Ukrainian double-agent playing Russia at its own game (The Telegraph):

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/ukraine-russia-war-double-agent-security-services/ 

A champion like no other: The curious life of a Unit 29155 operative (The Insider):

https://theins.ru/en/inv/286477 

Russia moves to year-round conscription from 2026 (Kyiv Independent):

https://kyivindependent.com/putin-signs-law-allowing-year-round-conscription-in-russia/?mc_cid=fb29c7d440&mc_eid=08d0680a95 

Is there a risk of encirclement in Pokrovsk and what awaits Myrnohrad? Soldiers explain (Hromadske):

https://hromadske.ua/en/war/254005-ti-khto-v-pokrovsku-na-peredovykh-pozytsiiakh-vze-v-pryntsypi-v-otochenni-z-iakoho-malo-shansiv-vyyty 

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